Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has spoken out after his team's season ended with a Game 7 loss.
The league MVP struggled with lower shooting percentages and a reduced scoring average during the series.
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"I failed at my goal," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "I didn't achieve what I wanted to achieve.
But I learn the most about myself and make the greatest amount of increases in my career when I fail."
The Thunder faced significant roster challenges throughout the matchup.
Second-leading scorer Jalen Williams aggravated a hamstring injury during Game 2 and played only 54 minutes in the series.
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Reserve contributor Ajay Mitchell sustained a calf strain in Game 3 that sidelined him for the remainder of the year.
These setbacks coincided with the defensive dominance of San Antonio center Victor Wembanyama in the paint.
"I didn't get where I wanted to go this season. There's a reason for that," Gilgeous-Alexander said.
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"Now I have to look at that reason and try to make sure it never happens again."